In article ,
"john smith" wrote:

Hi folks. I'm in Sydney and have been making compost in one of those square
based black plastic compost bins for a couple of years now. In the last two
months have found I have redbacks in all 4 corners and hiding in the handle
of the lid.

I presume you are using the throw-your-waste-in-once-a-day method, and no
turning? And your heap has been pretty dry due to lack of moisture in either
the contents or the atmosphere?

Redbacks like dry, darkish, secluded places (that's why you find them in sheds
and dunnies). If you turn the heap, leave the lid off part of the time, or
hose it down (including the parts they're living in), they'll probably leave.
I also approve of the spray & thong methods in the meantime. Another thing:
you probably had one redback originally, but she's had babies!

--
Chookie -- Sydney, Australia
(Replace "foulspambegone" with "optushome" to reply)

"Life is like a cigarette -- smoke it to the butt." -- Harvie Krumpet